Looks like it’ll be Jim Hickey as early as tomorrow. Big fan. More on Bosio dismissal: "Throw more strikes across the board in the bullpen," Epstein said during his season-ending news conference at Wrigley Field. "Partly a player-personnel thing but I think it goes beyond that a little bit because if you look at it -- and we have -- virtually every reliever that we have walked more guys this year on a rate basis, unintentional walk rate, than they did on average through their career. It was common. It could be a fluke, or it could be that there were certain situations where we tried to be too fine or certain situations where we didn't prioritize just getting a strike at the risk of some hard contact. "We're openly looking at it, trying to figure a way to get better -- coaches, players. We're all trying to figure a way to get better because 30th in unintentional walk rate this year out of the pen, 26th the year before, come on, we have to be a lot better than that."
I don't know if there's an executive that I trust more than Theo, but I think the "player-personnel thing" might be more of a factor than he's making it out to be.
Hinske leaving to go be the Angels hitting coach. I would guess that he was encouraged to look for other opportunities.
Any #Boston Red Sox fans care to chime in on what we're getting with Chili Davis and Brian Butterfield? Used to love watching Chili Davis play.
I really liked Boz. Did a great job rejuvenating the career of some guys, obviously and most notably Arrieta. Some weird stuff seemed to be going on behind the scenes this year though and obviously the walk rate throughout the staff was alarming which is probably why he’s not back. Justin Wilson is a good example of that after he came over from you guys. He was a great interview btw any time he was on the radio so be on the lookout any time he gets interviewed. I think he’ll do well in Detroit. Probably needed the change of scenery.
Scott Feldman had a really good year under Bosio that propelled his career. If Feldman doesn't have a great 1/2 season under Bosio, Cubs might not win the world series.
Giants are apparently interested in Heyward. Supposedly offering some package with Samardzija and Melancon.
i mean if he's not gonna hit homers, at least do it in a ballpark where lefties have a built in excuse
Silly Beane 12:40 Chicago media is abuzz with rumors of Heyward to SFG for Melancon and Shark. Sounds like SFG would be getting hosed there, no? Dave Cameron 12:40 Yeah, no way SFG does that. At least, not rationally.
Looks like we signed Tyler Chatwood. Rotation is starting to shape up a bit. Still be nice to sign a guy like Alex Cobb. Right now it’s looking like: Lester Hendricks Quintana Chatwood Free Agent/Monty
I mean considering 6 out of his 7 finalists were west coast teams there's an 86% chance this is correct
Look for the Cubs to sign Drew Smyly to a 2yr deal today or tomorrow. He's in Chicago visiting the facility today
Rumors the Cubs are talking to the Indians about Salazar, Indians want a lefty bat. What would that cost? Schwarber + Happ? Just Happ?
I would guess just Happ, the fact that Salazar doesn't hit free agency until 2021 is nice but him being so injury prone will lower the cost to get him.
Ya I went and looked and I knew Salazar was injury prone but I didn't realize how often he gets injured. Has only surpassed 140 innings once in his career.
Depending on the contract, that'd be great. He's way better than Cobb or Lynn or any of the pitchers that will probably only cost 3-5 million a season less than him. However I assume signing a big name starter means the bullpen is set.
So, Bob Nightengale says it’s coming down to the Cubs and Cards for Arrieta. Looking like $27m aav, 4 or 5 years.
Saw a post that the cubs have spent the 4th most money thus far and added the most players to the roster...
I think Alex Cobb blinks first and he ends up with the Cubs. Could see Arrieta holding out until March